Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic

Spitsbergen Cruises

Starting from $6,495

This classic Arctic expedition includes a more in-depth exploration of the western edge of the Spitsbergen archipelago. Home of the polar bear and walrus, you'll also see whales, colonies of seabirds and a variety of Arctic wildlife.

Starting from $6,495

Rates & Dates Prices are per person and shown in USD.

Quad Cabin

Triple Cabin

Upper/Lower Twin Cabin

Bridge Deck Twin Cabin

Upper Deck Twin Cabin

Jun 6, 2019 - Jun 16, 2019

$6,495

$6,695

$9,295

$9,895

$10,595

Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen

Your Spitsbergen adventure begins when you board your ship in Longyearbyen, the island's largest settlement. As you embark, you'll get great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop to this seaside village.

Day 2 - 10: Exploring Spitsbergen

Your expedition will explore western Spitsbergen as well as some stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar deserts to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. We'll cruise around this magical island located above the Arctic Circle, and your Expedition Team will be constantly searching for wildlife.

Each expedition presents new opportunities so we have no fixed itinerary, however we do hope to visit some of our favorite destinations, including 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsoya, Alkhornet and the Hinlopen Straight. The destinations visited on your voyage will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing and appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen. Polar bear viewing is almost guaranteed, with Phippsoya being one of their preferred hunting areas since the towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide many free bird egg meals for both them and the Arctic fox. Torellneset and Phippsoya are great places for walrus photography. Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won't forget either. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline.

If you're itching to get a little closer to the action, you can book the kayaking option and take an excursion to some of the more isolated pockets of Spitsbergen. Smeerenburg is a great place for snowshoeing (optional and complimentary outings on selected voyages), where you can visit a memorial erected in 1906. This historical site remembers the whalers who lost their lives in the 17th and 18th centuries while working in extreme Arctic conditions. There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day you'll see something new, whether it is a rare bird species or an abandoned site from centuries ago.

Day 11: Disembarkation Day in Longyearbyen

The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

Included

All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on board throughout your voyage

All shore landings per the daily program

Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader

A daily program of lectures by noted naturalists

All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program

Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and Special Guests as scheduled

Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage

A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings

An expeditions parka to keep

Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock

Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin

Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program

All luggage handling aboard ship

Arrival transfer from Longyearbyen airport to your hotel if you arrive one day prior to embarkation

On embarkation day transfer from your hotel or Longyearbyen airport to the ship

On disembarkation day group transfer from the ship to airport or local designated drop-off location

Adventure Options

Kayaking:

$595 (2018 season)

$695 (2019 season)

Hiking: Free

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of expedition cruising, itineraries are subject to change due to weather, ice conditions, natural and cultural events, wildlife viewing opportunities and other logistical considerations. In general, a ship's crew will endeavor to complete the itinerary provided, but the ultimate decision lies with the ship's captain and expedition leaders.